Breanna Clark follows in her mother's very-fast footsteps

Breanna Clark has autism, but it hasn't stood in the way of her athletic career. She won gold in the 400 meters at Rio last summer, 40 years after her mom won a silver in the 4x400 relay in the Olympics. My story for TeamUSA.org: http://www.teamusa.org/News/2017/March/30/Breanna-Clark-Won-Paralympic-Gold-In-Rio-40-Years-After-Her-Mom-Won-Olympic-Gold

New multi-millionaire on the block will be Gabe Jackson

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: The Raiders need to re-sign Derek Carr and Khalil Mack, but they can't overlook Gabe Jackson. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Keeping-Gabe-Jackson-in-Silver-and-Black-Will-Require-Significant-Cash--417785473.html

Lynch seems to have his eyes on QB Mahomes

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Could Texas Tech QB Pat Mahomes be on 49ers' radar for second round? http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Texas-Tech-QB-Could-be-in-49ers-Sights-for-Second-Round-417781093.html

49ers starting to get offers for No. 2 pick

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Panthers reportedly thinking off making deal for 49ers' No. 2 pick. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Panthers-Reported-Interested-in-Trading-for-49ers-No-2-Pick-417670543.html

Del Rio eager to use Cook, Patterson in pass game

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Raiders coach Jack Del Rio is excited by a pair of offensive weapons added in free agency. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Del-Rio-Excited-About-Additions-of-Cook-and-Patterson-417674173.html

Where will Raiders play in 2019?

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Mark Davis' team will begin play at new Vegas stadium in 2020, but their venue for 2019 is still to be decided. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Where-Will-Raiders-Play-After-2018-Season-417458633.html

Lynch won't rule out drafting a QB

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The 49ers signed two veteran QBs, but GM Lynch says he's open to drafting one, too. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Lynch-Doesnt-Rule-Out-Drafting-a-Quarterback-417454933.html

Golf never has been as popular or as cool as sports such as basketball and football, yet when Tiger Woods came onto the scene that all changed

Tiger Woods made golf cool to the general public. Instead of being a niche sport during his 1997-2008 heyday, golf was the "in" sport and Woods was cool the way Michael Jordan was cool. In fact, Woods transcended sport. He became a celebrity as much as an athlete, and his sport enjoyed its greatest moment in the spotlight. My story for ESPN: http://www.espn.com/golf/story/_/id/19016063/how-tiger-woods-heyday-made-golf-cool-became-cultural-icon-transcending-game

McKenzie again honored for his Raiders work

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: GM Reggie McKenzie named NFL Executive of the Year by The Sporting News, adding to his honors from 2016. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/No-Matter-Where-They-Play-Raiders-Should-be-Good-417324243.html

ESPN analysts: 49ers most improved in NFC West

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: A panel of NFC West reporters says 49ers improved the most in free agency within the division. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Already-Appear-Much-Improved-417313103.html

Skaters Alexa and Chris Knierim are back on track

Figure skaters Alexa and Chris Knierim are feeling healthy and blessed to have come through a rough 2016. The pairs have qualified for the World Championships after Alexa's illness, surgery and recovery period. My story for TeamUSA.org: http://www.teamusa.org/News/2017/March/27/Finally-Healthy-Again-Skater-Alexa-Scimeca-Knierim-Is-Grateful-For-Worlds-Spot

Shanahan eager to see Saleh's defensive scheme

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Head coach Kyle Shanahan believes Robert Saleh's Seahawks-style defense will be very effective in 2017. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Shanahan-Excited-to-See-Salehs-New-49ers-Defense-417194813.html

Del Rio wants Raiders to tune out Vegas move

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: With the NFL about ready to approve the Raiders' move to Las Vegas, Jack Del Rio says one of his jobs is to get players to tune out the distraction. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Despite-Distraction-Del-Rio-Hopes-to-Keep-Raiders-Focused-417189083.html

Niners add big dose of speed with Robinson

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Former Falcon Aldrick Robinson could be exciting in new San Francisco passing attack. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Former-Falcon-Robinson-Adds-Speed-to-49ers-417027323.html

New Raiders TE Cook named most improved in 2016

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Former Packers tight end Jared Cook, now with the Raiders, dropped only two catchable balls in all of 2016, according to Pro Football Focus. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Excited-to-Integrate-Cook-Into-Offense-417031033.html

Laure Kwoka, a former dancer, found her sports passion when she first played Australian rules football

Laure Kwoka of Sacramento plays Australian rules football, a wide-open, action-packed, full-contact sport. My story on her for the Weekend Warriors series on ESPNW: http://www.espn.com/espnw/life-style/article/18986613/laur%C3%A9-kwoka-plays-sport-many-americans-heard-not-timid

Stanford defender may fit 49ers at No. 2 pick

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Defensive lineman Solomon Thomas could be a good fit for San Francisco with the second pick. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Would-49ers-Use-Top-Pick-on-Another-Defensive-Lineman-416934283.html

Ex-Bills standout LB Brown still talking to Raiders

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Linebacker Zach Brown may still be a free-agent option for Raiders. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Still-an-Option-for-Free-Agent-Linebacker-Zach-Brown-416938693.html

49ers hope Garcon adds leadership as well as catches

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Veteran wide receiver Pierre Garcon says he'll help set the tone on the team under new head coach Kyle Shanahan. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Pierre-Garcon-is-Determined-to-be-a-Leader--416836013.html

Raiders re-sign Condo, keep "Kick Squad" together

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Oakland re-signs veteran long snapper Jon Condo, a key special teams player. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Re-Sign-Condo-and-Keep-Kick-Squad-Intact-416832533.html

49ers getting second look at top QBs in draft

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: GM John Lynch is leading a group from 49ers to visit again with Mitch Trubisky, Deshaun Watson and DeShone Kizer. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Getting-Closer-Look-at-Quarterback-Prospects-416730003.html

Ex-Seahawk says Lynch a good fit with Raiders

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Will Marshawn Lynch sign with the Raiders? A former teammate says it would be a perfect fit. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Former-Teammate-Says-Lynch-Fits-With-Raiders-416726343.html

Dental and oral health becomes even more important for seniors

Because our bodies become more vulnerable as we age, the importance of dental and oral health and hygiene is critical to the overall health of seniors. My story for the Health section of the San Diego Union-Tribune: http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/lifestyle/sd-he-senior-dental-health-20170320-story.html

Former Bills QB Manuel expected to sign with Raiders

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: EJ Manuel is expected to join the Raiders as a backup QB. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Expected-to-Add-EJ-Manuel-to-Backup-QB-Mix-416621123.html

Juszczyk will be more than a fullback for 49ers

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: John Lynch says fullback Kyle Juszczyk really plays the positon of OW: Offensive Weapon. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Kyle-Juszczyk-Gives-the-49ers-Much-More-Than-a-Fullback--416437453.html

Tight end Jared Cook joins Raiders offense

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Raiders sign free-agent tight end Jared Cook. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Give-Carr-Another-Receiving-Target-416433343.html

Engineer Kristine Dietrich loves the physical and mental challenges of Parkour

By day Kristine Dietrich is an engineer on the Dreamchaser spacecraft project in Colorado. On nights and weekends she likes a different type of challenge, propelling her body through space to conquer parkour, a sport where athletes negotiate their way over and through obstacles. My story about her for ESPNW.com's Weekend Warriors series: http://www.espn.com/espnw/life-style/article/18925456/parkour-athlete-kristine-dietrich-sees-world-giant-obstacle-course

49ers trade for Ravens' starting center

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: San Francisco acquires Jeremy Zuttah, who made the Pro Bowl in 2016, to play center or guard in 2017. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Trade-for-Ravens-Starting-Center--416340763.html

Raiders will need to find replacement for Murray

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Latavius Murray signs with Vikings, leaving Raiders to look for a big-back replacement. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/How-Will-Raiders-Replace-Latavius-Murray-416337053.html

Raiders' signing of OT Newhouse was needed

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Marshall Newhouse, who has started at guard and left and right tackle in his NFL career, will compete for starting spot at right tackle with Raiders. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Newhouse-Gives-Raiders-Versatile-Piece-to-Offensive-Line-416236363.html

49ers have spent big, but have plenty left

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: John Lynch has spent plenty of money already in free agency, but the 49ers still have more money to spend under the salary cap than any other NFL team. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Still-Have-Plenty-of-Cash-to-Spend-416232903.html

New 49er Grissom believes he's yet to tap his potential

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Speedy wideout Marquise Grissom spent four years in Buffalo, but the former Olympian didn't live up to expectations. Now with the 49ers, he believes he can thrive in Kyle Shanahan's system. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Are-Betting-on-Goodwins-Potential-416138203.html

Patterson adds jolt to return and passing games

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Cordarrelle Patterson has signed with the Raiders, bringing his skills as the NFL's top kickoff returner and an explosive wide receiver. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Signing-of-Patterson-Adds-Exciting-Element-to-Raiders-416133713.html

Ex-Vike Patterson would add juice to Raiders

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Cordarrelle Patterson is a good wide receiver, but his major value to the Raiders -- should they sign him -- would be his playmaking skills as a kick returner. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Reported-to-Have-Interest-in-Ex-Viking-Patterson-416036033.html

Hoyer doesn't want to be a place-holder QB

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Veteran Brian Hoyer signed with the 49ers to be the starting QB, and he's not concerned with anything after 2017. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Hoyer-is-Eager-for-New-Opportunity-With-the-49ers-416032723.html

Hosting 2017 Women's Worlds a big task for USA Hockey

The task of organizing and executing plans for this year's Women's World Hockey Championships in Michigan started more than a year ago at USA Hockey. My story for USA Hockey: http://www.2017womensworlds.com/news_article/show/768971?referrer_id=2266128

For Olympian and Cal water polo standout Luca Cupido, 2016 was one amazing year

After moving to the U.S. from Italy for his senior year of high school, Luca Cupido has made all the right moves. He helped Cal win an NCAA championship, made the U.S. Olympic team and was selected an All-America and Academic All-America. My story for TeamUSA.org: http://www.teamusa.org/News/2017/March/09/From-Italy-To-Cal-To-Rio-Water-Polo-Star-Luca-Cupido-Is-Riding-High

So far, Raiders are subtracting, not adding

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: The NFL free-agency period has begun with Oakland allowing several players to leave while -- so far -- not signing anyone. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Off-to-Slow-Start-in-Free-Agency-415884953.html

Niners will bring fullback back into offense

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Signing of former Ravens Pro Bowl fullback is a signal the 49ers offense will be much different in 2017. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Offense-Will-Feature-a-Fullback-Again-415887813.html

Raiders & Murray are ready for split-up

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: It seems certain now that Latavius Murray will go to another team in free agency. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Murray-Headed-Toward-a-Split-415781293.html

49ers sprinting into free agency with quick signings

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Brian Hoyer, Pierre Garcon, a top fullback, linebacker and another wide receiver agree to terms with the 49ers as free agents. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Off-to-a-Fast-Start-in-Free-Agency-415778813.html

New mom Brenna Huckaby is fresh off a snowboardcross world title and charging toward 2018 Paralympics in Korea

After a great 2015 season, Brenna Huckaby took a year off to give birth to her daughter. Now she's back on the slopes and even better than ever, apparently, with two world titles. Her goal is to get to the next Paralympics in 2018. My story for TeamUSA.org: http://www.teamusa.org/News/2017/March/07/Back-On-Snow-New-Mother-And-Newly-Crowned-World-Champ-Brenna-Huckaby-Back-At-Elite-Form

49ers' release of Bethea opens door for Ward & Tartt

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Jimmie Ward and Jaquiski Tartt may play bigger roles at safety in 2017 following the release of veteran Antoine Bethea. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Betheas-Release-Opens-Doors-at-Safety-for-49ers-415683473.html

Raiders have multiple FA options at inside LB

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Kevin Minter of the Cards and Zach Brown of the Bills are two of the less expensive -- but productive -- options for Oakland on the free-agent market for inside linebackers. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-May-Have-Options-at-Linebacker-Other-Than-Hightower-415686213.html

U.S. players recall the warm, small-town feel of Women's World Hockey Championships in Vermont in 2012

Players recall that the city and views were beautiful, the fans were warm and the atmosphere was electric when the U.S. hosted the Women's World Hockey Championships in Burlington, Vermont in 2012. My story for USA Hockey: http://www.2017womensworlds.com/news_article/show/763248?referrer_id=2266128

Smith out, Kerley stays as 49ers remake receiving corps

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The 49ers already are reshaping a receiving corps that ranked as perhaps the worst in the NFL in 2016. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Receiving-Corps-is-Getting-a-Major-Makeover-415577983.html

Nurse who took up running when she was nearly 50 now feels more fit, healthy and energized than ever before

Once Annie Herrin began to run, five years ago, she discovered a new, liberating lifestyle. Now the nurse, 54, has qualified for the Boston Marathon a second time. My story on her for the Active San Diego series in the San Diego Union-Tribune Health section: http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/lifestyle/sd-he-active-herrin-20170306-story.html

Pats' Hightower seems a good fit for Raiders

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: When free agency kicks off Thursday, Pats linebacker Dont'a Hightower would seem a good fit with Raiders. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-May-Get-Into-Bidding-for-Patriots-Linebacker-Hightower-415482243.html

Lynch definitely would trade No. 2 pick

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Lynch says he wouldn't hesitate to trade No. 2 overall draft choice. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Lynch-Says-49ers-Would-Trade-No-2-Overall-Pick-415480233.html

Skicrosser Tania Prymak gaining speed in Olympic quest

Tania Prymak is gaining momentum on the slopes and looking like she'll be the first American woman to compete in skicross in the Olympics. My story for TeamUSA.org: http://www.teamusa.org/News/2017/February/23/Tania-Prymak-Is-Likely-To-Be-The-First-US-Woman-To-Compete-In-Olympic-Skicross